Overheard: Celebs, readers 'proud' of Anderson Cooper

By Breeanna Hare, CNN

Updated 1731 GMT (0131 HKT) July 3, 2012

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Photos:Coming out in Hollywood

"House of Cards" star Kevin Spacey came out via a statement on Twitter after he was accused of alleged sexual misconduct in 1986 by actor Anthony Rapp when Rapp was 14 and Spacey was 26. Spacey apologized to Rapp in the statement and also said "I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man."

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Photos:Coming out in Hollywood

Aaron Carter shared a note with fans on Twitter in August saying that when he was around 13 years old he "started to find boys and girls attractive." The singer went on to say that at the age of 17 he had his first experience "with a male that I had an attraction to who I also worked with and grew up with."

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Photos:Coming out in Hollywood

Actress Kristen Stewart referred to herself as "so gay" during her monologue when she hosted "Saturday Night Live" in February. In August she opened up more about her sexuality in an interview with Harper's Bazaar U.K.

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Actor Thomas Dekker, known for his roles in "Heroes" and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," came out publicly via a tweeted statement in July after he said "a prominent gay man used an awards acceptance speech to 'out' me." Dekker also revealed that he had married in April.

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Singer Barry Manilow married longtime partner and manager Garry Kief in a secret ceremony in 2014. Manilow came out after news of the marriage was made public in 2015.

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Actor Colton Haynes attends the 2015 March Of Dimes Celebration Of Babies at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on December 4.

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Photos:Coming out in Hollywood

Jussie Smollett's character, Jamal Lyon, on the Fox TV show "Empire" came out, and so did the actor. Smollett confirmed that he is gay during a chat with Ellen DeGeneres. Earlier, his co-star Malik Yoba had been quoted saying that "I know Jussie; he is gay, and he's very committed to issues around the LGBT community." Yoba later said he had been misquoted.

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Joel Grey told People magazine that he doesn't like labels, but "if you have to put a label on it, I'm a gay man." The Oscar winner and Broadway star is in his 80s.

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Country singer Ty Herndon says he started revealing his sexuality to friends and family years ago, but he came out publicly in 2014 in an interview with People magazine.

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Another country singer, Billy Gilman, also came out after being inspired by Herndon, posting a message to YouTube.

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Raven-Symone was in a relationship with a woman at the time, but the actress told Oprah Winfrey in 2014 that she doesn't want to be labeled as gay. "I want to be labeled as a human who loves humans," she said.

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Writer Lauren Morelli said that working on "Orange Is the New Black" helped her realize that she was gay. In March 2017 she married one of the show's stars, Samira Wiley.

Actress Ellen Page announced she is gay at a Human Rights Campaign event in February 2014. "I am tired of hiding, and I am tired of lying by omission," Page told the crowd.

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In December 2013, "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts came out as a lesbian in a Facebook post reflecting on the past year and thanking fans for their support after her bone marrow transplant. It was also the first public acknowledgment of her partner, Amber Laign. "I am grateful for my entire family, my longtime girlfriend Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together," Roberts wrote.

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In a column in the New York Times, Maria Bello described the process of falling in love with her female best friend, Clare, and how that affected her relationship with her 12-year-old son.

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Bob Harper's confirmation that he's gay came about as a desire to comfort a "Biggest Loser" contestant. On a November 2013 episode, personal trainer Harper, 48, talked about his sexuality for the first time on the reality weight loss competition in an effort to show the contestant that he doesn't have to be ashamed. "I'm gay," Harper said. "I knew a very long time ago that I was gay. ... And being gay doesn't mean that you are less than anybody else. It's just who you are."

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Photos:Coming out in Hollywood

Maulik Pancholy's sexuality wasn't a secret, but he did take the extra step of going on the record about it in November 2013 -- just in case someone out there wasn't clear. The actor, who memorably portrayed the obsessive and loyal assistant Jonathan on "30 Rock," told Out magazine that he's been in a relationship for nine years. "It feels like a nice time to be celebrating something like that, especially on the heels of the DOMA and Prop 8 decisions," the actor said.

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Ellen DeGeneres came out shortly after her character Ellen, on an ABC sitcom, came out on-air amid controversy in 1997. "I never wanted to be the lesbian actress," DeGeneres told Time magazine. "I never wanted to be the spokesperson for the gay community. Ever. I did it for my own truth." DeGeneres' wife, Portia de Rossi, also kept her sexuality a secret for many years.

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"Fast & Furious" star Michelle Rodriguez told EW, "I've gone both ways. I do as I please," while discussing how many have assumed she is gay.

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"Prison Break" star Wentworth Miller came out after he withdrew from the St. Petersburg International Film Festival in protest of Russia's anti-gay policies.

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'NSync singer Lance Bass appeared on the cover of People in August 2006 with the headline "I'm Gay." "I knew that I was in this popular band and I had four other guys' careers in my hand, and I knew that if I ever acted on it or even said (that I was gay), it would overpower everything," Bass told the magazine in explaining why he didn't come out sooner.

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CNN's Anderson Cooper came out publicly as gay in an e-mail message to the Daily Beast's Andrew Sullivan, which was posted to the site in July 2012.

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In May 2012, a New York Times story about "The Normal Heart's" Jim Parsons revealed that the "Big Bang Theory" actor is gay and in a 10-year relationship.

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While accepting a humanitarian award in February 2012, "White Collar" star Matt Bomer said he "especially" wanted to thank "my beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry. Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is." (People magazine identifies "Simon" as his partner, publicist Simon Halls.) Bomer's reveal wasn't overt, but some have congratulated the actor for acknowledging his sexuality, which has been the subject of gossip in the industry.

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Actor Zachary Quinto said he was inspired to acknowledge his homosexuality in October 2011 after a 14-year-old, who was apparently being harassed over his sexuality, killed himself. "In light of Jamey's death, it became clear to me in an instant that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it is simply not enough to make any significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality."

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"There had never, ever been a country music artist who had acknowledged his or her homosexuality," Chely Wright told People when she came out in 2010.

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Pop singer Ricky Martin declared publicly in March 2010 what he avoided discussing for years. "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man," Martin wrote on his official website. "I am very blessed to be who I am."

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In April 1998, British pop star George Michael told CNN that he was gay. "This is as good of a time as any," the Wham! singer said. "I want to say that I have no problem with people knowing that I'm in a relationship with a man right now. I have not been in a relationship with a woman for almost 10 years." The pop star died in December 2016.

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After years as a stand-up comedian and actress, Rosie O'Donnell came out two months before her talk show went off-air in 2002. The announcement came during a comedy routine at the Ovarian Cancer Research benefit at Carolines Comedy Club in New York. "I don't know why people make such a big deal about the gay thing," she said during her act. "People are confused, they're shocked, like this is a big revelation to somebody."

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British singer Elton John discussed his bisexuality for the first time in a 1976 Rolling Stone interview. "There's nothing wrong with going to bed with somebody of your own sex," he said. "I think everybody's bisexual to a certain degree. I don't think it's just me. It's not a bad thing to be." John married David Furnish in December 2005.

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Stand-up comedian and actress Wanda Sykes announced her sexual orientation -- and her marriage -- in 2008 at a rally for gay marriage. "You know, I don't really talk about my sexual orientation," Sykes said. "I didn't feel like I had to. I was just living my life, not necessarily in the closet, but I was living my life. ... But I got pissed off. They pissed me off. I said, 'You know what? Now I gotta get in your face.' " Sykes was referring to the passage of Proposition 8, banning gay marriage, in California days after her wedding.

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Reports of "Sex and the City" star Cynthia Nixon's relationship with Christine Marinoni surfaced in 2004, six years after the television show's premiere. Nixon discussed her relationship with New York Magazine in 2006, saying, "I never felt like there was an unconscious part of me around that woke up or that came out of the closet; there wasn't a struggle; there wasn't an attempt to suppress. I met this woman, I fell in love with her, and I'm a public figure."

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Once known best as the TV character he played during childhood, Doogie Howser, Neil Patrick Harris has continued his successful acting career as an adult. Harris often walks the red carpet with partner David Burtka and starred in the hit sitcom "How I Met Your Mother." He told People magazine in 2006 that he is, in fact, gay. "I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man."

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"Family Ties" actress Meredith Baxter confirmed in December 2009 rumors that she is a lesbian. "Anyone who's a friend of mine, anyone who knows and cares about me, knows," the actress explained to Matt Lauer on the "Today" show. "It's no secret that I'm gay, but it has been to the greater world." Baxter is in a long-term relationship with a building contractor, Nancy Locke.

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He had an 11-year run on "Frasier," but it wasn't until he returned to Broadway in 2007 that David Hyde Pierce confirmed his sexuality. The actor is married to writer/producer/director Brian Hargrove. Pierce first talked about his partner in an Associated Press interview about his Tony-nominated performance in "Curtains."

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Story highlights

Anderson Cooper's announcement that he's gay has brought waves of support

Stars like Ellen DeGeneres and Kelly Ripa have tweeted how proud they are of Cooper

Readers have thanked the anchor for his courage

There's been an outpouring of support from celebrities and CNN readers alike after CNN's Anderson Cooper publicly acknowledged Monday that he's gay.

The "AC 360˚" anchor wrote in an e-mail to the Daily Beast's Andrew Sullivan that was posted online Monday, saying that in a perfect world, no one would care about his sexuality, but he's come to understand the "value in making clear where I stand."

"The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud," Cooper wrote.

His readers and fellow media personalities have commended his move to publicly come out, sharing what his friends, family and colleagues already knew:

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler)

"One of the reasons I look up to my friend @andersoncooper is his amazing eloquence. Very proud of him!"

Kristen Bell (@IMKristenBell)

"A bold and beautiful statement by someone who is smarter than all of us, journalist @andersoncooper."

"Thrilled @AndersonCooper came out! So, THAT'S why he never wanted to date me! I would've loved having Gloria Vanderbilt as my mother-in-law."

NeNe Leakes (@NeNeLeakes)

That did it......Now I really love @andersoncooper."

Sara Bareilles (@SaraBareilles)

"I applaud @andersoncooper for being authentic and honest with the public. It helps others feel brave too."

Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow)

"I'm proud of you, @AndersonCooper."

Kelly Ripa (@KellyRipa)

"So proud of you @andersoncooper. Always have been, always will be."

Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes)

"Proud of you @andersoncooper. Thank you."

LeAnn Rimes (@leannrimes)

"Rock on @AndersonCooper for being a brave, classy man. Much respect!"

Those sentiments were echoed on CNN.com Monday, with many thanking Cooper for being open and honest about his sexuality, hoping that it will give others the courage to do the same:

• macbil: "Thanks Anderson. There was a time not too long ago in this country when young men who realized they were gay had no role models. It took courage to do what you did. It would be hard to calculate the positive image you've set for young gay men."

• Proud To Be Gay: "It took me 67 years to embrace myself as a gay man. I wish I had done it sooner, such as Anderson has. Thanks for making us proud, Anderson."

• Toronto Guy: "Tireless anchor. Intrepid news journalist. Puts himself in harm's way more times than I can count. Caring and committed soul. And his tailored suits are always great! Thanks for coming out, bud. Let's hope your colleagues over at Fox and other news orgs do the same."

• Dave: "Thank you Anderson for putting another prominent face on our comunity. I'm so proud. I can't amagine the weight that's off your shoulders."

• John Summers: "I have to say I THANK YOU Anderson Cooper for your public announcement. Bringing a face to the GLBT community can only inspire the gay youth of the country to have someone to look up to. I am very proud of what you have done today. I wish you the best and happy life. You have always had me as a loyal viewer and shall continue my loyalty."

Still others noted that his sexuality really doesn't impact how they view the journalist:

• caninelady:"I liked him before; I like him now. Since I had no desire to marry him or have any kind of relationship with him, it doesn't disappoint, upset or bother me. People should be allowed to live and love as they choose. There is way too much hate and judgment in society. I care only what people do with our life, what they contribute to society and not who they love. But, then I'm just a 60+, basically conservative old Christian grandmother."

And then there was the contingent who couldn't believe this story counted as "news":

• Jon:"WHAT? HE'S GAY?! Geesh, that's old news! I knew he was gay the first time I saw him in a tight fitting t-shirt reporting from the middle east years ago. He 's a good reporter and news anchor and the fact that he likes men, does not change my opinion of him."

But there was also an important discussion sparked by Cooper's decision to share his e-mail to Sullivan with the world: Why is it important for people to acknowledge their sexuality in the first place?

• Commenter Puddin wrote the question this way: "I have wanted to ask this question for a long time: why do people who are gay or lesbian, etc. feel they have to announce it? I have never heard a straight person do this. No one has a need to know!"

The responses, from fellow CNN.com commenters, were varied:

• Jeff:"Because people ask. When people stop caring enough to no longer ask because it doesn't matter then gays will stop 'announcing it.' (coming out.)."

• wcbhwk:"Couple of good reasons. First, the more people who do this, especially prominent people in our society, the more others will understand that being gay is not that unusual. Second, and more importantly, through our close mindedness and repression, both tacit and direct, we have forced many of those who are gay to live this aspect of their lives secretively. It takes courage to be openly gay, even today. While that is sad, it is still reality. So by showing courage to come out publicly, it sends a message to others to also have courage."

For his part, Cooper tweeted on Tuesday, "I appreciate all the nice tweets. I am in Botswana working but want to wish everyone a great 4th of July!"